Transition from emergency department to intensive care: the contribution of detailed anamnesis and early imaging to diagnosis and treatment processes

Aims: The overcrowding of emergency departments (EDs) is a significant public health issue that diminishes the quality of healthcare services and increases mortality and morbidity rates both nationally and internationally. This study aims to emphasize the importance of detailed anamnesis and early bedside non-invasive imaging (ultrasonography) in patients transferred from the ED to the intensive care unit (ICU). It also addresses the impact of ED overcrowding on healthcare services and proposes solutions to enhance healthcare quality. Methods: Between June 20, 2024, and November 25, 2024, patients over 18 years admitted to the ICU via the adult ED at Mardin Training and Research Hospital for various reasons were included in the study. A detailed anamnesis and non-invasive ultrasonographic imaging were performed for all ICU-admitted patients. Results: Among the 242 patients admitted to the ICU, additional findings that influenced treatment decisions were identified in 21 patients through detailed anamnesis and imaging. Of these patients, 11 were male and 10 were female. The most frequent admission diagnoses were traffic accidents [8/21, (38.1%)] and respiratory distress [6/21, (28.6%)]. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that performing detailed anamnesis and utilizing non-invasive imaging techniques in patients transferred from the ED to the ICU provides critical contributions to diagnosis and treatment. Strategies should be developed to reduce unnecessary ED visits and promote the appropriate use of emergency services.